A COMPETITION will be held to find a ‘town crier’ for Andover, Town Mayor Cllr David Coole has revealed.

The competition will be held on Sunday, November 6, from 10am to 4pm at Andover High Street, and will be part of an all-day free-to-public event to celebrate the appointment of Andover's town crier.

The winner of the competition will be appointed the ‘Andover town crier’, Cllr Coole said.

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The event will be organised by Our Andover CIC. Cllr Coole is one of the directors of Our Andover.

Cllr Coole said the town crier’s position would be a voluntary role and it will “not cost the taxpayer a single penny”.

However, Our Andover CIC has offered to pay a small remuneration towards the town crier's expenses.

Cllr Coole said: “Andover has not had a Town Crier since 2005, which is a 'crying shame', and Andover Town Council recently rejected the opportunity to take on this historic and prestigious responsibility, which is another 'crying shame'.

“Towns and cities all across the UK are waking up to the economic and community importance and benefits of their heritage and traditions. Those towns and cities who care about their about their communities, are busy restoring the heritage and traditions worthy of celebrating.

"Andover town centre needs lots of 'things' to make it prosperous, vibrant and sustainable. These 'things' are like cogs in a massive engine that all need to happen and work together.

"The Andover Town crier competition and the crier's subsequent appointment is just one of those many cogs, and will help do its bit in promoting Andover and attracting people back into the Town Centre.”

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Cllr Coole added that both the Loyal Company of Town Criers and Michael's Civic Outfitters have agreed to help support the competition, leading to the appointment of the new Andover Town Crier.

The town crier of the City of Southampton, Alan Spencer, has very kindly agreed to assist with the competition, both before and on the day, the mayor said.

Cllr Coole added: “The competition will include festivities before, during, and after the competition. Various street food and drink stalls, other stalls, music and entertainment will be provided, along with a raffle to raise funds for improving Andover and surrounding villages.

“Hampshire civic dignitaries, Test Valley mayor, Andover Town mayor, Romsey Town mayor, chairmen from Andover's surrounding parishes, and the mayor's of the towns and cities from supporting town criers, have been invited to the Andover town crier competition.

“The competition is open to anyone living in Andover and surrounding Villages, those who have connections to Andover and surrounding Villages, and those who are passionate about Andover but may live slightly further afield."

Anyone interested in taking part in the competition, should email ourandover@gmail.com for further information."